Rigid PU Foam

How do you optimize the performance of rigid PU foam?

Rigid polyurethane foam is a high‑performance insulation material used in buildings, appliances and industrial systems. Achieving the best thermal conductivity, cell structure, and dimensional stability depends on the right additive package. This is where Evonik’s expertise makes the difference.

Demand for high‑performance insulation materials like rigid polyurethane foam, continues to grow as energy costs and environmental awareness rise and sustainability targets tighten. Efficient thermal insulation is one of today’s key challenges and essential for reducing energy consumption.

At Evonik, we understand the key to polyurethane foam’s exceptional insulating power: a precisely engineered cellular structure that minimizes heat transfer. Our polyurethane additive technologies play an important role in shaping this structure, giving manufacturers better control over thermal conductivity, flow and dimensional stability to tailor performance to meet today’s demanding standards.

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Explore PU - Portal for Polyurethane Additives

RIGID PU FOAM APPLICATIONS

Rigid polyurethane foam is used widely wherever high‑performance insulation is essential. In buildings, it plays a crucial role in cutting heat loss through walls and roofs, lowering energy costs and consumption in both new construction and renovation projects. It is also the insulation of choice in household and commercial refrigerators and freezers, improving their energy efficiency. Beyond these core uses, rigid PU foam is found in spray foam systems, pipe insulation, and one-component foams, each delivering specific benefits for processing and thermal performance.

Stacked rigid PU foam panels for continuous insulation in energy-efficient construction

PU additives for insulation panels in commercial and industrial buildings

Our portfolio of polyurethane (PUR) and polyisocyanurate (PIR) foam additives supports flexible-faced, metal-faced, and continuous panels production used in commercial and industrial building roofs and walls.

Our additives help manufacturers achieve:

Higher insulation efficiency
Improved surface quality and adhesion
Enhanced fire safety performance
Greater processing flexibility during production

Whether you're producing PIR or PUR panels, we offer a complete additive package, including surfactants and catalysts to support consistent processing and help you get high-quality results.

Close-up of interlocking foam-insulated discontinuous panels—representing Evonik’s silicone surfactants, amine catalysts, and release agents for optimized panel performance.

Additives for discontinuous PU insulation panels with enhanced flow and retention

New design and use requirements for discontinuous insulation panels are pushing the need for innovative solutions that improve foam performance reliably across different blowing agents, equipment setups, and panel designs. We offer a wide range of silicone surfactants, amine catalysts, and release agents that improve foam flow, insulation performance and blowing agent retention – supporting high‑quality production across a wide range of discontinuous panel applications.

Empty refrigerator interior showing rigid PU foam insulation for energy-efficient appliances

PU foam solutions for energy-efficient refrigerators and freezers

As appliance designs become more sophisticated the demand for higher-performing insulation foams continues to rise. Our polyurethane additives help improve insulation efficiency by enhancing foam flow into intricate cabinet geometries and reducing defects. For both household and commercial refrigeration, we offer a broad range of silicone surfactants, amine catalysts, and specialized curing agents that support consistent processing and deliver excellent thermal performance.

Spray foam insulation being applied between wall studs using rigid PU foam

Spray foam additives for open-cell and closed-cell insulation systems

The spray foam market is expanding rapidly, with evolving regulations driving the need for more advanced, adaptable systems. Selecting the right additives is essential for both open-cell and closed-cell spray foams. Our broad portfolio of silicone surfactants, amine and metal catalysts, cell openers, and emulsifiers help you use new raw materials, expand your product range, and meet modern building standards.

Applying one-component PU foam to fill wall gaps for insulation and sealing

One-component foam solutions for winter performance and fire resistance

One-component foams (OCF) must perform reliably in a wide range of conditions, whether applied by construction professionals or DIY users. Our advanced additives help improve winter performance, boost foam yield, extend shelf life, and enhance fire resistance. We offer a strong portfolio of silicone surfactants, amine catalysts, and cell openers to help efficient production and consistent, high-quality OCF performance.

Insulated pipe with rigid PU foam and copper rods for industrial thermal protection

PU foam additives for pipe insulation in oil and gas

The oil and gas sector is driving demand for high-performance pipe insulation using polyurethane foam. Our additives help improve thermal insulation and compressive strength to meet the rigorous requirements of pipeline applications. Our wirde range of silicone surfactants and amine and metal catalysts support consistent foam quality and reliable long-term performance in oil and gas pipelines.

GOOD TO KNOW: Why use rigid PU foam additives?

Why are additives critical in rigid PU foam?
Additives define and control the foam's cell size and structure, flow, adhesion and stability, enabling low thermal conductivity and consistent processing in both PIR and PUR systems.

Which applications benefit most?
Rigid PU foam additives are essential in insulation panels, refrigeration appliances, spray foam, one‑component foams (OCF) and pipe-insulation systems across building and industrial markets.

Which additive families does Evonik offer?
Evonik provides a complete toolbox of silicone surfactants, amine and metal catalysts, cell openers and release agents to support high‑quality, energy‑efficient foam production. Best of all, our technical expertise ensures you get the right additives matched precisely to your performance and processing needs.

ANY QUESTIONS? JUST CONTACT US.

Our global team of experts is ready to support you with all questions around our product and service portfolio for interfacial and polyurethane additive solutions. Contact us to profit from our long expertise and our unparalleled track record.

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